So, I got my gait analysis and it turns out that I have been running on my toes, instead of running where you land on your heel, roll down the foot to push off on your toes.

Now I’m not sure if I started doing that because my heel hurt or if I’ve been doing it all along.  I tend to think that I started because of the heel pain since I was always plagued by shin splints before, which happens with heel runners.

Anyhoo, she also found that my arch needs strengthening and I need to stretch my hamstrings and psoas muscles more.

Here’s my runs/walks for the past 2 weeks…

9/10 – took Elaine & Elizabeth to the zoo

9/12 – missed my long run – instead we hiked in Red Rock Canyon – Zander wanted to hike “in the mountains” before school started

9/14 – A really crappy long run, and my calibration was off again.  I definitely ran 3 miles, but the iPod said it was only 2.5.  So I walked another quarter mile to get the mileage in.  And we also went to the zoo that day – more unlogged mileage.

9/15 – We hiked a portion of Section 16 with the boys. 

9/16 – The JDRF walk.  Definitely a walk, no chance of running, this time includes some standing around when I thought I had paused the iPod workout, but I didn’t      It’s in two sections

9/19 – Jumping right back in with my longest run yet – 8 miles!  And I climbed that evening, too.  I paid the price, though.  I limped for most of the day.  Ow.

9/22 – Yesterday’s run – I was determined not to let the rain stop me.  It was cold and miserable, but I did it.  I climbed immediately after running, which I don’t think I like doing. My legs were shot and I was very tired.

So, I’m getting back on track for my running and I may skip my easy week, and run a regular workout schedule since it seems the week of 9/12 turned out to be an easy week because I was lazy.  Or I might stick to the schedule.  I’ll decide on Tuesday how far I feel like running.

I know some people wonder why I keep running with all the trouble I’ve been having.  My chiropractor definitely questions my motivation.  I wonder sometimes myself.  But I want to do it.  I like burning the calories.  I want to run a half marathon next spring.  I’d really like to run a full marathon before I turn 40.  So I take my cue from Dory and “Just keep running, just keep running…”